iWork4Him PowerThought

Mutual respect. It's when two people show respect for each other. .... Respect is defined as the process of honoring someone by exhibiting care, concern, or consideration for their needs or feelings. This should be a HALLMARK of us as Christ followers. And even more apparent at work, with our colleagues. To respect them as co-laborers AND as fellow sons and daughters of God. .... Author Dina Dwyer-Owens says it's been her experience that When we hold ourselves accountable and show mutual respect to others, it's amazing the respect that comes back. So how about you? Are you living mutual respect in your work today?

Heard this the other day: The principles never change, but the methods always do. What a solid management philosophy this makes for us Christ followers. Principles are defined as: fundamental truths that serve as the foundation for a system of beliefs. Our biblical core beliefs are the basis of who we are and what we do. And that applies to how we work, lead and manage. But the methods, those change, based on the circumstances, and the people involved. So we need to be flexible, not rigid. Deeply rooted, but like the branches of a tree, sway with the wind. So how about you? Are your principles well rooted but flexible enough for change?

Is God leading your work? How do you get the point where you can say YES, He is. Here're a couple of ideas to get you started. First, read a book or listen to faith at work podcasts that introduce you to the concept of working for the Lord. Second, pray and ask God to show you how and where He is at work in your work today. Three, take a faith at work devotional and put it on your desk. Before you turn on your PC, read the devotional and pray that God lead you in your work. This might take some consistent practice, like changing a habit, to shift your mindset. So how about you? Colossians 3:23 is a GREAT verse to put on your desk, so it reminds you WHO you work for: 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people

When people around you at work succeed, do you find yourself happy for them or feeling bad for yourself? It can be easy to compare our career path to someone else's and come out feeling like we missed our chance at moving up - but the truth is that everyone's journey will look different. Galatians 6:4 says, "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." So next time the temptation to compare yourself to a coworker comes up, take the focus off of others and put it back on the work God has given you to do today. Because when you work with excellence, you bring honor to God… and that's the measure of TRUE success!

65% of the population will never go into a four walls church – that means that over half of the people in the U.S. will never hear about Jesus from a pastor or dedicated ministry. BUT here's the good news: almost everyone will be employed during their lifetime, which makes the workplace one of the LARGEST mission fields in the world – a place where we, as ambassadors for Christ, are given free access to the lost and hurting! John 4:35 says, "Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest… and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life." Are you treating your workplace like your mission field? If not, WAKE UP! The fields are ripe with people waiting to be brought to eternal life – and Jesus is asking you to be a part of the harvest.

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. And today, Friday, is when Jesus was crucified. Traditionally, we call this day Good Friday, and it has often been observed as a time of sorrow, repentance, and fasting in the Church. Accordingly, I always thought the name "Good Friday" was a weird choice. "Bad Friday" seemed more fitting for the day Jesus died. And that would be true – if not for this fact: That it is because of Christ's death, because of his sacrifice on that Friday so long ago, that we are able to be made right with God. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." THAT is the good news of the gospel. Without his death, there would be no salvation. Who can you tell about the good news of Good Friday today?

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. Thursday marked the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, and Jesus met with the disciples in the upper room for a final meal. Before they began to eat, Jesus knelt down and began to wash the disciples' feet. This task was usually something the lowliest servants did – so the disciples cried out "You shall never wash my feet!" but Jesus said, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's." Jesus wasn't just talking about washing feet – he was talking about what true love and service looks like. He was giving us an example of how we are to live. How can you serve those around you at work this week? What task or chore can you take on as a sign of Christ's love for your coworkers?

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. Sunday through Tuesday, Jesus had been busy teaching and prophesying in Jerusalem, so on Wednesday, most scholars believe that he and his disciples spent the day resting in Bethany in anticipation of the Passover. The fact that the Bible doesn't say exactly what the Lord did on Wednesday can serve as a lesson in itself. Knowing that his death was approaching, Jesus took time to rest and spend quality time with those close to him. Sometimes, we become so busy with work, that we forget what really matters… and it isn't a paycheck or promotions; it's PEOPLE. When was the last time you took a day to simply rest and spend time with your family or friends? Do they know that you value them? Do they feel like they are a priority, even when your time is limited? Carve out a space in your schedule for relationship this week.

It's Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter. On the Tuesday before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples the story of a man who left his servants in charge of his finances while he went on a journey. When he returned, one of the servants gave him back double the amount, having worked to grow the sum. Upon receiving the new amount, the Master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much." Jesus told this parable to teach his disciples about good stewardship. God wants you to build up and increase the resources that he has given you for HIS purposes and glory. And not just financially – but also your gifts and talents. How are you using what God has given you to further His Kingdom at work?

Yesterday was Palm Sunday – the day where we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem and being met with crowds waving palm branches and exclaiming, "Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" You see, the Jewish people had spent thousands of years waiting for the Messiah, the true king, to come and deliver them – and there he was! But instead of a conqueror on a white horse with an army of soldiers, Jesus came slowly, and humbly on the back of a donkey with twelve dirty men. God's idea of success and leadership looks a lot different than the world's. He values a servant's heart over a conqueror's. What kind of success are you seeking in your job? A big promotion, a certain title, a larger office? Or do you seek to humbly serve those around you just like Jesus?